Appliance mounting assembly

ABSTRACT

An appliance mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket with first and second distal arms that flare outward in opposing directions from an attachment body and couple to a panel. The mounting bracket includes a pair of coupling members that extend from the attachment body toward the panel surface and distal ends that curve inward toward one another. A self-clinching nut has an undercut, serrated clinching ring, and base. The undercut and the serrated clinching ring are disposed within an aperture defined by the attachment body. A ladder rack has first and second sides coupled via an attachment wall. The first and second sides define protrusions that engage the pair of coupling members in an interference fit. The attachment wall defines a receiving hole that aligns with the aperture. A threaded fastener extends through the receiving hole and engages the self-clinching nut to fasten the ladder rack to the mounting bracket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/566,486 filed Sep. 10, 2019, entitled APPLIANCE MOUNTINGASSEMBLY, the disclosure to which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a mounting assembly, andmore specifically, to a mounting assembly for an appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance mountingassembly includes a panel having a panel surface. A mounting bracketincludes first and second distal arms that flare outward in opposingdirections from an attachment body and couple to the panel surface. Themounting bracket includes a pair of coupling members that extend fromthe attachment body toward the panel surface and includes distal endsthat curve inward toward one another. The attachment body defines anaperture. A self-clinching nut has an undercut, a serrated clinchingring, and a base. The undercut and the serrated clinching ring aredisposed within the aperture. A ladder rack has first and second sidescoupled via an attachment wall. The first and second sides defineprotrusions that engage the pair of coupling members in an interferencefit. The attachment wall defines a receiving hole that aligns with theaperture when in an assembled state. A threaded fastener extends throughthe receiving hole and engages the self-clinching nut to mechanicallyfasten the ladder rack to the mounting bracket.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a mountingassembly for a vacuum insulated appliance includes a ladder rack havingfirst and second sides coupled via an attachment wall. The attachmentwall and the first and second sides define an interior channel. Theattachment wall defines a receiving hole. A mounting bracket is disposedwithin the interior channel of the ladder rack when in an assembledstate. The mounting bracket includes an attachment body defining anaperture. The attachment body is disposed adjacent to the attachmentwall when in the assembled state. First and second distal arms extendoutward from first opposing sides of the attachment body. A pair ofcoupling members extend from second opposing sides of the attachmentbody. Each coupling member has proximal and distal ends with a centerportion therebetween. A nut is disposed within the aperture. Thereceiving hole and the aperture align when in the assembled state toreceive a fastener that engages with the nut to secure the ladder rackto the mounting bracket.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofassembling an appliance mounting assembly includes providing a firstmounting bracket having distal arms that extend outwardly from firstopposing ends of an attachment body and a pair of coupling members thatextend from second opposing ends of the attachment body. A secondmounting bracket is provided having distal arms that extend outwardlyfrom first opposing ends of an attachment body and a pair of couplingmembers that extend from second opposing ends of the attachment body.Distal flanges of the distal arms of the first mounting bracket arewelded on an upper portion of a panel. Distal flanges of the distal armsof the second mounting bracket are welded on a lower portion of thepanel spaced-apart and vertically aligned with the first mountingbracket. A nut is positioned within an aperture defined by each of theattachment bodies of the first and second mounting brackets,respectively. A ladder rack is aligned with the first and secondmounting brackets. The ladder rack is engaged with the first and secondmounting brackets by an interference fit.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentdisclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilledin the art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an appliance, according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of an insulating appliance,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an exploded side perspective view of a mounting bracket and aself-clinching nut, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a mounting bracket, according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a ladder rack, according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view of a planar surface of a ladder rack,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of an appliance with a mountingassembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a partial exploded view of an appliance with a mountingassembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a partial exploded view of an appliance with a mountingassembly in an assembled state, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional plan view of the mounting assembly of FIG.9 taken along line X-X; and

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method of assembling a mounting systemwithin an appliance, according to the present disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations ofmethod steps and apparatus components related to an appliance mountingassembly. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps havebeen represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in thedrawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent tounderstanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not toobscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the descriptionherein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings representlike elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unlessstated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of theelement closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer tothe surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, itis to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not,without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, reference numeral 10 generally designates anappliance mounting assembly including a panel 14 having a panel surface18. A mounting bracket 22 includes first and second distal arms 26, 30that flare outward in opposing directions from an attachment body 34 andcouple to the panel surface 18. The mounting bracket 22 includes a pairof coupling members 38 that extend from the attachment body 34 towardthe panel surface 18 and include distal ends 46 that curve inward towardone another. The attachment body 34 defines an aperture 50. Aself-clinching nut 54 has an undercut 58, a serrated clinching ring 62,and a base 66. The undercut 58 and the serrated clinching ring 62 aredisposed within the aperture 50. A ladder rack 70 has first and secondsides 74, 78 coupled via an attachment wall 82. The first and secondsides 74, 78 each define protrusions 86 that engage the pair of couplingmembers 38 in an interference fit. The attachment wall 82 defines areceiving hole 90 that aligns with the aperture 50 when in an assembledstate 94. A threaded fastener 98 extends through the receiving hole 90and engages the self-clinching nut 54 to mechanically fasten the ladderrack 70 to the mounting bracket 22.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an appliance 102 is illustrated as arefrigerator having a cabinet 106 defining refrigerator and freezercompartments 110, 114. While illustrated as a bottom mount refrigerator,the appliance 102 may be, for example, a bottom mount French doorrefrigerator, a top mount refrigerator, a side-by-side refrigerator, a4-door French door refrigerator, and/or a 5-door French doorrefrigerator. Further, the present disclosure is not limited torefrigerators. The appliance 102 may be, for example, freezers, coolers,vacuum insulated structures, and other similar appliances and fixtureswithin household and commercial settings.

The appliance 102 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 as an insulatingappliance 102, which includes a trim breaker 118, a wrapper 122, and aliner 126. The wrapper 122 and liner 126 are coupled to the trim breaker118 to define an insulating cavity 130 in which one or more insulationmaterials may be disposed. The insulation materials may be acarbon-based powder and/or silicon oxide-based materials, however, it isgenerally contemplated that other insulation materials may be used.Additionally, the insulation materials can be free-flowing materialsthat can be poured, blown, compacted, or otherwise disposed within aninsulating cavity 130. This free-flowing material can be in the form ofvarious silica-based materials, such as fumed silica, precipitatedsilica, nano-sized and/or micro-sided aerogel powder, rice husk ashpowder, perlite, glass spheres, hollow glass spheres, cenospheres,diatomaceous earth, combinations thereof, and other similar insulatingparticulate material. The one or more insulation materials substantiallyfill the insulating cavity 130 forming a substantially continuous layerbetween the wrapper 122 and the liner 126. A vacuum 134, or at least apartial vacuum 134, may be defined within the insulating cavity 130,where the vacuum 134 defines a pressure differential 138 between anexterior 142 of the appliance 102 and the insulating cavity 130. Thispressure differential 138 serves to define an inward compressive force146 that is exerted upon both the wrapper 122 and the liner 126 andtends to bias the wrapper 122 and the liner 126 toward the insulatingcavity 130 of the appliance 102. The vacuum 134 within the insulatingcavity 130 also tends to cause gas to infiltrate into the insulatingcavity 130 from an area exterior to the appliance 102. This infiltrationof gas is sometimes referred to as gas permeation.

The wrapper 122 and the liner 126 may be configured to form the cabinet106 of the appliance 102. In this way, the wrapper 122 has athree-dimensional shape and defines a central cavity 150. The liner 126may correspond with the wrapper 122 and may have a plurality of panels154, including individual panels 14. Each of the individual panels 14have the panel surface 18 that defines an inner cavity 162. It isgenerally contemplated that the liner 126 may be received within thecentral cavity 150 of the wrapper 122, thus partially defining theinsulating cavity 130. Additionally, the wrapper 122 and the liner 126may include materials capable of at least partially resisting bending,biasing, or otherwise being formed in response to the inward compressiveforce 146. These materials for wrapper 122 and the liner 126 mayinclude, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, polymers, metalalloys, combinations thereof, and/or other similar substantially rigidmaterials that can be used for vacuum insulated structures withinappliances 102.

It is contemplated that the trim breaker 118 may be coupled to outeredges 166 of the wrapper 122 and the liner 126. As illustrated in FIG.2, the trim breaker 118 has a generally rectangular shape, however, itis contemplated that other geometric shapes known in the art may beused. In this way, the trim breaker 118 may not substantially interferewith access to the refrigerator and freezer compartments 110, 114defined by the cabinet 106. A channel 170 may be defined around aperimeter of the trim breaker 118. The channel 170 may be configured toreceive the outer edges 166 of wrapper 122 and the liner 126. It is alsocontemplated that the trim breaker 118 may define more than one channel170 to accommodate the wrapper 122 and the liner 126 in separatechannels 170. The channel 170 may be filled with an adhesive configuredto couple the wrapper 122 and the liner 126 with the trim breaker 118.

Referring to FIG. 3, the mounting assembly 10 includes the mountingbracket 22 that has the attachment body 34. The attachment body 34 maybe generally rectangular or, alternatively any other practicable shape.The attachment body 34 has first opposing sides 174A, 174B, which areillustrated as upper and lower sides. Additionally, the attachment body34 has second opposing sides 178A, 178B, which are illustrated aslateral sides. The first opposing sides 174A, 174B may be shorter thanthe second opposing sides 178A, 178B to produce an elongate attachmentbody 34. In various examples, the second opposing sides 178A, 178Bdefine cutouts 182. As illustrated, the attachment body 34 defines twocutouts 182 on each of the second opposing sides 178A, 178B. The cutouts182 may be substantially rectangular shaped, as illustrated, or may beany other practicable shape. Due to the cutouts 182, the attachment body34 may have two widths. The first opposing sides 174A, 174B and acentral portion 186 may define a first width, and the cutouts 182 maydefine a second width less than the first width. It is also contemplatedthat the cutouts 182 may be different sizes, thereby producing aplurality of widths of the attachment body 34.

According to various aspects, the attachment body 34 defines theaperture 50. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the aperture 50 is defined in thecentral portion 186 of the attachment body 34. However, depending on theselected configuration of the mounting assembly 10, the aperture 50 maybe defined in a first portion 190 of the attachment body 34 proximateone of the first opposing sides 174A, 174B or in a second portion 194 ofthe attachment body 34 proximate the other of the first opposing sides174A, 174B. Moreover, it is also contemplated that the attachment body34 may define more than one aperture 50 depending on the selectedconfiguration of the mounting assembly 10.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the mounting bracket 22 may include the firstand second distal arms 26, 30 that flare outward in opposing directionsfrom the attachment body 34. In various examples, the first and seconddistal arms 26, 30 extend from the first opposing sides 174A, 174B ofthe attachment body 34, respectively. It is also contemplated that thefirst and second distal arms 26, 30 may extend from the second opposingsides 178A, 178B of the attachment body 34. In such examples, the firstand second distal arms 26, 30 may be coupled to the attachment body 34within the cutouts 182 or adjacent to the cutouts 182. Additionally oralternatively, the first and second distal arms 26, 30 may extend asubstantially similar distance from the attachment body 34.

The first and second distal arms 26, 30 may extend at an angle from theattachment body 34. According to various aspects, the attachment body 34includes a first surface 198 and a second surface 202. The first andsecond distal arms 26, 30 may extend away from the attachment body 34 atan acute angle relative to the second surface 202 of the attachment body34. The acute angle defined between the first distal arm 26 and secondsurface 202 of the attachment body 34 may be substantially a mirrorimage of the acute angle defined by the second distal arm 30 and thesecond surface 202 of the attachment body 34. In this way, the first andsecond distal arms 26, 30 may extend from the attachment body 34 in asubstantially similar manner. This configuration may be advantageous forthe first and second distal arms 26, 30 to abut a substantially planarand/or flat surface.

According to various examples, the first and second distal arms 26, 30may each include a proximal coupling end 206 and distal flanges 210. Theproximal coupling ends 206 may couple the first and second distal arms26, 30 to the attachment body 34. The distal flanges 210 may be definedat an opposing end of the first and second distal arms 26, 30, relativeto the proximal coupling ends 206. The distal flanges 210 form a bentend portion to the first and second distal arms 26, 30. The distalflanges 210 extend at obtuse angles relative to the first and seconddistal arms 26, 30.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the mounting bracket 22 may include the pairof coupling members 38 extending from the second opposing sides 178A,178B. In this way, the first and second distal arms 26, 30 extend fromthe first opposing sides 174A, 174B and the pair of coupling members 38extend from the second opposing sides 178A, 178B. The pair of couplingmembers 38 includes a first coupling member 42 extending from one of thesecond opposing sides 178A, 178B and a second coupling member 48extending from the other of the second opposing sides 178A, 178B. Invarious examples, the mounting bracket 22 may include a first pair ofcoupling members 208 having the first and second coupling members 42, 48and a second pair of coupling members 212 having third and fourthcoupling members 214, 218. The third and fourth coupling members 214,218 may be arranged relative to the attachment body 34 in a similarmanner as the first and second coupling members 42, 48.

The first pair of coupling members 208 may be spaced-apart from thesecond pair of coupling members 212. In various examples, the first pairof coupling members 208 may couple to the first portion 190 of theattachment body 34 and the first pair of coupling members 208 may coupleto the second portion 194 of the attachment body 34. The first andsecond portions 190, 194 of the attachment body 34 may be separated bythe aperture 50. In this way, the first and second portions 190, 194 ofthe attachment body 34 may correspond with opposing sides of theattachment body 34 relative to the aperture 50. According to variousaspects, the attachment body 34 may define two opposing cutouts 182 inthe first portion 190 and two opposing cutouts 182 in the second portion194. In such examples, the first and second coupling members 42, 48 maycouple to the attachment body 34 within the cutouts 182 defined by thefirst portion 190 and the third and fourth coupling members 214, 218 maycouple to the attachment body 34 within the cutouts 182 defined by thesecond portion 194.

Referring still to FIG. 3, each of the coupling members 42, 48, 214, 218includes proximal and distal ends 222, 46 with a center portion 226therebetween. In various examples, the proximal ends 222 of the couplingmembers 42, 48, 214, 218 may be coupled to the attachment body 34. Theproximal ends 222 may be curved such that at least a portion of thecoupling members 42, 48, 214, 218 arcs outward from the attachment body34. Stated differently, the proximal ends 222 of each of the first andsecond pairs of coupling members 208, 212 may curve inward toward oneanother. The center portion 226 may be substantially linear and/or flat.Based on the curve of the proximal ends 222, the center portions 226 ofthe coupling members 42, 48, 214, 218 may be disposed substantiallyperpendicular to the attachment body 34, or alternatively, may beobliquely-oriented relative to the attachment body 34. In examples wherethe center portions 226 are substantially perpendicular, the distal andproximal ends 46, 222 of the coupling members 42, 48, 214, 218 may be ina stacked configuration. In examples where the center portions 226 areobliquely-oriented relative to the attachment body 34, the distal andproximal ends 46, 222 may be offset from one another.

According to various aspects, the distal ends 46 of the first pair ofcoupling members 208 (e.g., the first and second coupling members 42,48) curve in toward one another. Similarly, the distal ends 46 of thefirst pair of coupling members 208 (e.g., the third and fourth couplingmembers 214, 218) may curve inward toward one another. The curve of thedistal ends 46 may be substantially similar to the curve of the proximalends 222, or alternatively, may be different based on the selectedconfiguration of the mounting bracket 22. It is contemplated that all,some, or none of the distal ends 46 may have the same shape.

In various examples, the first and second pairs of coupling members 208,212 may extend wider than the first width of the attachment body 34. Thedistal and proximal ends 46, 222 may both be disposed at a width that iswider than the first width of the attachment body 34. In suchconfigurations, the center portions 226 of the coupling members 42, 48,214, 218 may be offset from the second opposing sides 178A, 178B of theattachment body 34 to define a width greater than the first width of theattachment body 34. Additionally or alternatively, a proximal width(e.g., a first width) of the first and second pairs of coupling members208, 212 proximate the proximal ends 222 may be less than a distal width(e.g., a second width) proximate the distal ends 46. In this way, thefirst and second pairs of coupling members 208, 212 may flare outwardfrom the attachment body 34. Further, the proximal and distal widths mayboth be wider than the first width of the attachment body 34.Alternatively, the distal width may be wider than the first width of theattachment body 34, but the proximal width may not result in an obliqueorientation of the first and second pairs of coupling members 208, 212relative to the attachment body 34.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the mounting assembly 10 may also include theself-clinching nut 54. The self-clinching nut 54 may include theundercut 58, the serrated clinching ring 62, and the base 66. Theundercut 58 and the base 66 may be disposed at opposing ends of theself-clinching nut 54 with the serrated clinching ring 62 therebetween.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the self-clinching nut 54 may be disposedwithin the aperture 50 defined by the attachment body 34 of the mountingbracket 22. In various examples, the undercut 58 and the serratedclinching ring 62 may be disposed within the aperture 50. The base 66may be disposed proximate to, and/or abut, the second surface 202 of theattachment body 34. In this way, the self-clinching nut 54 may bepositioned within the aperture 50 by pressing the self-clinching nut 54into the aperture 50 from proximate the second surface 202. Use of theself-clinching nut 54 may be advantageous as installation of theself-clinching nut 54 may be completed without additional preparation ofthe mounting bracket 22, such as, for example, deburring. Theself-clinching nut 54 may be permanently installed within the aperture50. In various aspects, permanent installation may be accomplished bythe self-clinching nut 54 swaging the material that surrounds theself-clinching nut 54. In various aspects, the mounting bracket 22 maybe formed of metal materials or metal alloy materials, such as forexample, aluminum and/or steel. Once the self-clinching nut 54 isdisposed within the aperture 50, the materials of the attachment body 34surrounding the aperture 50 may cold flow into the undercut 58 tointegrate the self-clinching nut 54 into the mounting bracket 22. Theserrated clinching ring 62 may engage an edge of the attachment body 34defining the aperture 50 and substantially prevent the self-clinchingnut 54 from rotating after installation. Various different types ofself-clinching nuts 54 may be used, each with different properties, suchas, for example, load-bearing, torque resistance, vibration resistance,etc., based on the selected configuration and/or use of the mountingassembly 10.

Referring to FIG. 5, the ladder rack 70 may include the first and secondsides 74, 78 spaced-apart and coupled together via the attachment wall82. The first and second sides 74, 78 and the attachment wall 82 maydefine an interior channel 236. In this way, the ladder rack 70 may besubstantially U-shaped. In various examples, at least one of the firstand second sides 74, 78 defines a rim 238. As illustrated in FIG. 5, therim 238 extends from the first side 74 of the ladder rack 70. The rim238 extends outward and away from the attachment wall 82 and the secondwall 234. Whether defined by the first side 74 or the second side 78,the rim 238 may extend outwardly and away from the attachment wall 82 toabut an adjacent surface. In this way, the rim 238 may space the firstor second sides 74, 78 of the ladder rack 70 from an adjacent surfaceand/or provide stability for the ladder rack 70.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the attachment wall 82 may be a single wallor a plurality of walls extending between the first and second sides 74,78 of the ladder rack 70. In examples where the attachment wall 82 is asingle wall, the attachment wall 82 may define more than one opening 242arranged along all, or at least a portion, of a length of the ladderrack 70. In examples where the attachment wall 82 is configured as aplurality of walls, the plurality of walls may be spaced-apart by theopenings 242. The attachment wall 82 of the ladder rack 70 may include afirst planar surface 246 disposed in a first end portion 250 of theladder rack 70 and a second planar surface 254 disposed in a second endportion 258 of the ladder rack 70. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the firstend portion 250 may be an upper portion of the ladder rack 70 and thesecond end portion 258 may be a lower portion of the ladder rack 70. Theopenings 242 may be defined on one or both sides of the first and/orsecond planar surfaces 246, 254 such that the first and second planarsurfaces 246, 254 may be interruptions in the pattern defined by theopenings 242 extending along the ladder rack 70. Each of the first andsecond planar surfaces 246, 254 may define a receiving hole 90, whichmay be different in size and/or shape than the openings 242. Thereceiving holes 90 may be configured to receive the fastener 98, whereasthe openings 242 may be configured to receive hooks or other couplingfeatures such as shelves, bins, baskets, panels, etc. within theappliance 102.

Referring still to FIG. 6, the ladder rack 70 may include an inner ridge266 disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second sides 74,78 of the ladder rack 70. The inner ridge 266 may extend adjacent to theattachment wall 82. Additionally or alternatively, the inner ridge 266may define notches 270 proximate to the first and/or second sides 74, 78of the ladder rack 70. The first and second planar surfaces 246, 254 ofthe attachment wall 82 may extend into the notches 270 defined by theinner ridge 266. The inner ridge 266 may provide additional strength tothe first and second planar surfaces 246, 254 and/or the ladder rack 70as a whole.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the mounting bracket 22 may be coupled to thepanel surface 18 of the panel 14 of the appliance 102. According tovarious aspects, the distal flanges 210 of the first and second distalarms 26, 30 of the mounting bracket 22 each have the abutting surface268 that abuts the panel surface 18. The distal flanges 210 may beadhered, welded, or otherwise coupled to the panel surface 18. It may beadvantageous to weld the distal flanges 210 to the panel surface 18 invacuum insulated structure examples to maintain the vacuum 134 whilesupporting other components coupled to the mounting assembly 10.

As previously explained, the attachment body 34 is spaced-apart from thepanel surface 18 by the first and second distal arms 26, 30. The firstand second distal arms 26, 30 may have substantially similarconfigurations such that the first and second distal arms 26, 30 aresubstantially mirror images of one another. This configuration may beadvantageous for coupling to a planar panel surface 18. However, inexamples where the first and second distal arms 26, 30 abut a non-planarsurface, the first and second distal arms 26, 30 may extend at differentangles or at different lengths from the attachment body 34. It is alsocontemplated that the first and second distal arms 26, 30 may abut twoadjacent panels disposed at an angle relative to one another.

When the mounting bracket 22 is assembled with the panel 14, the secondsurface 202 of the attachment body 34 faces the panel surface 18.Moreover, the attachment body 34 is spaced-apart from the panel surface18 by the first and second distal arms 26, 30 extending at anglestherebetween. The first and second pairs of coupling members 208, 212extend from the attachment body 34 toward the panel surface 18.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, the appliance 102 may include a firstmounting bracket 260 and a second mounting bracket 264. The first andsecond mounting brackets 260, 264 may be spaced-apart from one anotherand configured in a vertically aligned arrangement. It is alsocontemplated that the first and second mounting brackets 260, 264 may berotated relative to the orientation illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, andmay be in diagonally and/or horizontally aligned arrangements on thepanel surface 18. The first and second mounting brackets 260, 264 may bedisposed proximate to an adjacent side panel 272 of the appliance 102.

Referring still to FIGS. 7-9, the ladder rack 70 may be disposed overthe first and second mounting brackets 260, 264. In this way, the firstand second mounting brackets 260, 264 may be disposed within theinterior channel 236 of the ladder rack 70 when in the assembled state94. The first and second planar surfaces 246, 254 of the attachment wall82 aligns with the attachment body 34 of each of the first and secondmounting brackets 260, 264. Further, the first and second planarsurfaces 246, 254 may be disposed adjacent to the attachment bodies 34when the ladder rack 70 is disposed over the first and second mountingbrackets 260, 264. Stated differently, the first planar surface 246 maybe disposed in the first end portion 250 of the ladder rack 70 and beconfigured to align with the first mounting bracket 260 and the secondplanar surfaces 254 may be disposed in the second end portion 258 of theladder rack 70 and be configured to align with the second mountingbracket 264. The ladder rack 70 is configured to engage the first andsecond mounting brackets 260, 264 in the interference fit. In variousexample, the interference fit may be a snap-fit connection. In suchexamples, the ladder rack 70 may be configured to snap over the firstand second mounting brackets 260, 264 to provide the snap-fitconnection. The rim 238 of the ladder rack 70 may abut the panel surface18 of the adjacent side panel 272 of the appliance 102 to providestability and/or support to the mounting assembly 10. Additionally oralternatively, the rim 238 may assist in aligning the ladder rack 70within the appliance 102.

According to various aspects, the receiving holes 90 defined in thefirst and second planar surfaces 246, 254 are configured to align withthe apertures 50 of the attachment bodies 34 of the first and secondmounting brackets 260, 264 when in the assembled state 94. In this way,the fastener 98 may extend through the receiving holes 90 and engage theself-clinching nuts 54 to mechanically fasten the ladder rack 70 to thefirst and second mounting brackets 260, 264. The snap-fit connection maybe advantageous for securing the ladder rack 70 to the first and secondmounting brackets 260, 264 prior to and/or during mechanical fasteningof the ladder rack 70 to the first and second mounting brackets 260,264. In various examples, each of the self-clinching nuts 54 may bethreaded and the fastener 98 may be correspondingly threaded. In suchexamples, the fastener 98 may be a screw, a belt, or a similar threadedcoupling member. It is also contemplated that the fastener 98 may not bethreaded. Additionally or alternatively, the ladder rack 70 may beretained on the panel 14 by the first and second mounting brackets 260,264 without the fastener 98 due to the snap-fit connection.

Referring to FIG. 10, the first pair of coupling members 208 isillustrated engaging the first and second sides 74, 78 of the ladderrack 70. The center portions 226 of the first and second couplingmembers 42, 48 may be substantially flat to maximize contact with thefirst and second sides 74, 78 of the ladder rack 70. Additionally oralternatively, the width of the distal ends 46 of the first and secondcoupling members 42, 48 being greater than the first width of theattachment body 34 may be advantageous for engaging the first and secondsides 74, 78 in the snap-fit connection. In various examples, the firstand second sides 74, 78 of the ladder rack 70 may each define inwardlyextending protrusions 86 that may extend inward toward one another. Theladder rack 70 may define protrusions 86 configured to align with thefirst and second mounting brackets 260, 264, or alternatively, maydefine elongate protrusions 86 that extend the length of the ladder rack70. Additionally or alternatively, the ladder rack 70 may defineprotrusions 86 along various portions of the ladder rack 70 to providefor different configurations of the mounting assembly 10.

As illustrated, the distal ends 46 of the first and second couplingmembers 42, 48 engage the protrusions 86 of the ladder rack 70. Thecurved configuration of the distal ends 46 may provide forself-alignment of the ladder rack 70 over the mounting bracket 22. Inthis way, the protrusions 86 and the curved distal ends 46 cooperate tocentrally align the first and second mounting brackets 260, 264 in theinterior channel 236 of the ladder rack 70. The protrusions 86 may alsocontribute to the snap-fit connection with the first and second mountingbrackets 260, 264. The protrusions 86 and the distal ends 46 may couplethe ladder rack 70 to the first and second mounting brackets 260, 264prior to the fastener 98 engaging the self-clinching nut 54. Whileillustrated as the first pair of coupling members 208, it iscontemplated that the second pair of coupling members 212 may be similararranged and/or constructed.

Referring now to FIG. 11, and with further reference to FIGS. 1-10, amethod 300 of assembling the mounting assembly 10 includes a step 304 ofproviding the first mounting bracket 260. The first mounting bracket 260may include the first and second distal arms 26, 30 extending outwardlyfrom the first opposing sides 174A, 174B of the attachment body 34.Additionally or alternatively, the first mounting bracket 260 mayinclude the first and second pairs of coupling members 208, 212extending from the second opposing sides 178A, 178B of the attachmentbody 34. The step 304 may also include providing an appliance 102 orother structure including the panel 14 having the panel surface 18.

A step 308 may include providing the second mounting bracket 264.Similar to the first mounting bracket 260, the second mounting bracket264 may include the first and second distal arms 26, 30 extending fromthe first opposing sides 174A, 174B of the attachment body 34. Thesecond mounting bracket 264 may also include the first and second pairsof coupling members 208, 212 extending from the second opposing sides178A, 178B of the attachment body 34. The second mounting bracket 260may have a same configuration as the first mounting bracket 260, oralternatively, may have a different configuration depending on theselected use of the mounting assembly 10.

In a step 312, the self-clinching nuts 54 are positioned within theapertures 50 of the first and second mounting brackets 260, 264. Invarious examples, the self-clinching nuts 54 may be pressed into theapertures 50 from proximate the second surface 202. In this way, theundercuts 58 and the serrated clinching rings 62 may be disposed withinthe respective apertures 50 and the base 66 may abut the second surfaces202 of the attachment body 34.

A step 316 may include welding the distal flanges 210 of the firstmounting bracket 260 to an upper portion 278 of the panel 14. The firstand second distal arms 26, 30 may be vertically aligned with oneanother. The first mounting brackets 260 may be spaced-apart from theadjacent side panel 272 or other surfaces of the appliance 102 toprovide space for the ladder rack 70 to be disposed over the firstmounting bracket 260.

Similarly, a step 320 may include welding the distal flanges 210 of thesecond mounting bracket 264 to a lower portion 282 of the panel 14. Thefirst and second distal arms 26, 30 may be vertically aligned with oneanother. The first mounting brackets 264 may be spaced-apart from theadjacent side panel 272 or other surfaces of the appliance 102 toprovide space for the ladder rack 70. Additionally, the second mountingbracket 264 may be spaced-apart from and vertically aligned with thefirst mounting bracket 260.

A step 324 may include aligning the ladder rack 70 with the first andsecond mounting brackets 260, 264. Further, the step 324 may includealigning the first and second planar surfaces 246, 254 of the attachmentwall 82 with the attachment body 34 of each of the first and secondmounting brackets 260, 264. Moreover, the step 324 may include aligningthe protrusions 86 with the first and second pairs of coupling members208, 212.

A step 328 may include engaging the ladder rack 70 with the first andsecond mounting brackets 260, 264. This may include pressing the ladderrack 70 over the first and second mounting brackets 260, 264 until theprotrusions 86 engage the distal ends 46 of the first and second pairsof coupling members 208, 212 in the interference fit. In variousexamples, the interference fit may be the snap-fit connection. Moreover,the step 328 may include centering the ladder rack 70 over the first andsecond mounting brackets 260, 264 such that the first and secondmounting brackets 260, 264 are disposed centrally within the interiorchannel 236 of the ladder rack 70.

A step 332 may include fastening the ladder rack 70 to the first andsecond mounting brackets 260, 264. In this way, the fastener 98 mayextend through the receiving holes 90 in the first and second planarsurfaces 246, 254 and engage the self-clinching nuts 54 within theapertures 50 of the first and second mounting brackets 260, 264. Thestep 332 may be advantageous for securing the ladder rack 70 to thefirst and second mounting brackets 260, 264, as well as to the panel 14of the appliance 102.

Use of the present disclosure may provide for a variety of advantages.For example, the snap-fit connection between the ladder rack 70 and thefirst and second mounting brackets 260, 264 may retain the ladder rack70 on the first and second mounting brackets 260, 264 without thefastener 98. This may be advantageous for decreasing manufacturing andassembling costs when fastening the ladder rack 70 to the mountingbracket 22. Further, the protrusions 86 may cooperate with the first andsecond pairs of coupling members 208, 212 to centrally align with theladder rack 70 over the first and second mounting brackets 260, 264. Thesnap-fit connection and mechanical fastening of the ladder rack 70 tothe first and second mounting brackets 260, 264 may be advantageous fordifferent configurations of the mounting assembly 10 and for removingthe ladder rack 70 for servicing purposes. Additionally, the mountingassembly 10 within the appliance 102 may be advantageous for supportingshelves, bins, racks, and other similar structures within the appliance102 and may do so in a vacuum insulated appliance 102 withoutcompromising the vacuum 134. Additional benefits or advantages of usingthis device may also be realized and/or achieved.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance mountingassembly includes a panel that has a panel surface. A mounting bracketincludes first and second distal arms that flare outward in opposingdirections from an attachment body and couple to the panel surface. Themounting bracket includes at least one pair of coupling members thatextend from the attachment body toward the panel surface and includedistal ends that curve inward toward one another. The attachment bodydefines an aperture. A self-clinching nut has an undercut, a serratedclinching ring, and a base. The undercut and the serrated clinching ringare disposed within the aperture. A ladder rack has first and secondsides coupled via an attachment wall. The first and second sides defineprotrusions that engage the pair of coupling members in an interferencefit. The attachment wall defines a receiving hole that aligns with theaperture when in an assembled state. A threaded fastener extends throughthe receiving hole and engages the self-clinching nut to mechanicallyfasten the ladder rack to the mounting bracket.

According to another aspect, at least one pair of coupling membersincludes a first pair of coupling members that extend from opposingsides of a first portion of the attachment body and a second pair ofcoupling members spaced-apart from the first pair of coupling membersand extending from a second portion of the attachment body.

According to another aspect, an attachment body defines cutouts. Atleast one pair of coupling members are coupled to the attachment bodywithin the cutouts and extend therefrom.

According to still another aspect, an attachment body has a firstsurface and a second surface oriented toward a panel surface. First andsecond distal arms each extend at an acute angle relative to the secondsurface of the attachment body.

According to another aspect, an acute angle defined by a first distalarm and an attachment body is substantially a mirror image of an acuteangle defined by a second distal arm and the attachment body.

According to yet another aspect, at least one pair of coupling membersextends wider than a width of an attachment body for forming aninterference fit with first and second sides of a ladder rack.

According to another aspect, at least one pair of coupling membersinclude proximal ends that curve inward toward one another. Eachcoupling member of the at least one pair of coupling members includes asubstantially flat center portion disposed between the proximal end andthe distal end to maximize contact with first and second sides of aladder rack, respectively.

According to another aspect, first and second distal arms each include adistal flange that has an abutting surface to contact a panel surface.

According to still another aspect, at least one pair of coupling membersinclude proximal ends coupled to an attachment body. A first width ofthe at least one pair of coupling members proximate the distal ends isgreater than a second width proximate the proximal ends.

According to another aspect, at least one of first and second sides of aladder rack defines a rim extending away from an attachment wall andconfigured to abut an adjacent side panel surface.

According to yet another aspect, an attachment body is spaced-apart froma panel surface by first and second distal arms that extend at an angletherebetween.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a mounting assemblyfor a vacuum insulated appliance includes a ladder rack with first andsecond sides coupled via an attachment wall. The attachment wall and thefirst and second sides define an interior channel. The attachment walldefines a receiving hole. A mounting bracket is disposed within theinterior channel of the ladder rack when in an assembled state. Themounting bracket includes an attachment body that defines an aperture.The attachment body is disposed adjacent to the attachment wall when inthe assembled state. First and second distal arms extend outward fromfirst opposing sides of the attachment body. At least one pair ofcoupling members extend from second opposing sides of the attachmentbody. Each coupling member has proximal and distal ends with a centerportion therebetween. A nut is disposed within the aperture. Thereceiving hole and the aperture align when in the assembled state toreceive a fastener that engages with the nut to secure the ladder rackto the mounting bracket.

According to another aspect, at least one pair of coupling membersincludes a first pair of coupling members that extend from a firstportion of the attachment body and a second pair of coupling membersthat extend from a second portion of the attachment body. The first andsecond portions correspond with first opposing sides of the attachmentbody relative to the aperture.

According to still another aspect, distal ends of at least one pair ofcoupling members are disposed at a width greater than a width of theattachment body to engage first and second sides of a ladder rack in asnap-fit connection.

According to another aspect, first and second sides of a ladder rackdefine inwardly extending protrusions that engage distal ends of atleast one pair of coupling members in a snap-fit connection when in anassembled state.

According to yet another aspect, an attachment wall includes a planarsurface that defines a receiving hole and is disposed adjacent to theattachment body when in an assembled state. The attachment wall definesmore than one opening on each side of the planar surface.

According to another aspect, center portions of each coupling member ofthe at least one pair of coupling members are disposed offset fromsecond opposing sides of the attachment body to define a width greaterthan a width of the attachment body.

According to still another aspect, distal ends of the at least one pairof coupling members curve inward toward one another and are configuredto engage protrusions of a ladder rack and align the ladder rack over amounting bracket.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assemblingan appliance mounting assembly includes providing a first mountingbracket having distal arms that extend outwardly from first opposingends of an attachment body and a pair of coupling members that extendfrom second opposing ends of the attachment body. A second mountingbracket is provided having distal arms that extend outwardly from firstopposing ends of an attachment body and a pair of coupling members thatextend from second opposing ends of the attachment body. Distal flangesof the distal arms of the first mounting bracket are welded on an upperportion of a panel. Distal flanges of the distal arms of the secondmounting bracket are welded on a lower portion of the panel spaced-apartand vertically aligned with the first mounting bracket. A nut ispositioned within an aperture defined by each of the attachment bodiesof the first and second mounting brackets, respectively. A ladder rackis aligned with the first and second mounting brackets. The ladder rackis engaged with the first and second mounting brackets by aninterference fit.

According to another aspect, a ladder rack is fastened to the first andsecond mounting brackets via a fastener and a nut.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. An appliance mounting assembly, comprising: amounting bracket configured to engage a panel surface, wherein themounting bracket includes: an attachment body; distal arms extendingfrom the attachment body and configured to engage the panel surface; afirst coupling member coupled to the attachment body; and a secondcoupling member coupled to the attachment body, wherein the firstcoupling member and the second coupling member extend from theattachment body toward the panel surface; a nut disposed partiallywithin an aperture defined by the attachment body; and a ladder rackhaving a first side and a second side coupled via an attachment wall,wherein the first side and the second side each define a protrusion,wherein the protrusions engage the first coupling member and the secondcoupling member, respectively, in an interference fit.
 2. The appliancemounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the nut is a self-clinching nuthaving an undercut, a serrated clinching ring, and a base.
 3. Theappliance mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein the undercut and theserrated clinching ring are disposed within the aperture, and whereinthe base abuts a surface of the attachment body.
 4. The appliancemounting assembly of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the first couplingmember curves toward a distal end of the second coupling member.
 5. Theappliance mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein each distal arm includesa distal flange having an abutting surface to engage the panel surface.6. The appliance mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the ladder rackdefines an interior channel, and wherein the mounting bracket isdisposed within the interior channel.
 7. The appliance mounting assemblyof claim 1, further comprising: a fastener extending through a receivinghole defined by the ladder rack to engage the nut.
 8. A mountingassembly for an appliance, comprising: a ladder rack having a first sideand a second side, wherein the first side and the second side eachdefine a protrusion extending into an interior channel of the ladderrack; and a mounting bracket disposed within the interior channel of theladder rack to couple the ladder rack to said appliance, wherein themounting bracket includes: an attachment body; and at least one pair ofcoupling members coupled to the attachment body, wherein the at leastone pair of coupling members includes a first coupling member and asecond coupling member, wherein the first coupling member engages theprotrusion of the first side and the second coupling member engages theprotrusion of the second side to form an interference fit.
 9. Themounting assembly of claim 8, further comprising: distal arms extendingfrom first opposing sides of the attachment body, wherein the at leastone pair of coupling members extends from second opposing sides of theattachment body.
 10. The mounting assembly of claim 8, wherein the atleast one pair of coupling members defines a width greater than a widthof the attachment body to form the interference fit.
 11. The mountingassembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one pair of coupling membersincludes a first pair of coupling members spaced from a second pair ofcoupling members.
 12. The mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein theattachment body defines an aperture between the first pair of couplingmembers and the second pair of coupling members.
 13. The mountingassembly of claim 12, further comprising: a self-clinching nut at leastpartially disposed within the aperture and configured to receive afastener.
 14. The mounting assembly of claim 8, further comprising: anut coupled to the attachment body; and a threaded fastener extendingthrough the ladder rack to engage the nut.
 15. A mounting assembly foran appliance, comprising: a ladder rack having a first side and a secondside, wherein the ladder rack defines an interior channel; a mountingbracket disposed within the interior channel, wherein the mountingbracket includes: an attachment body; and a pair of coupling memberscoupled to the attachment body, wherein the pair of coupling membersengages the ladder rack; and a nut disposed within an aperture definedby the attachment body of the mounting bracket.
 16. The mountingassembly of claim 15, wherein the first side of the ladder rack definesa first protrusion and the second side of the ladder rack defines asecond protrusion, and wherein each of the first protrusion and secondprotrusion extends into the interior channel to engage the mountingbracket.
 17. The mounting assembly of claim 16, wherein the pair ofcoupling members includes a first coupling member having a curved distalend that engages the first protrusion and a second coupling memberhaving a curved distal end that engages the second protrusion, andwherein the curved distal ends engage the first protrusion and thesecond protrusions in a snap-fit connection.
 18. The mounting assemblyof claim 15, wherein the nut is a self-clinching nut with a serratedclinching ring.
 19. The mounting assembly of claim 15, furthercomprising: a threaded fastener extending through the ladder rack toengage the nut.
 20. The mounting assembly of claim 15, furthercomprising: distal arms extending from opposing sides of the attachmentbody.